Karyn Miller

Karyn is stay-at-home mum and a freelance writer with a passion for travel, her family and writing. As well as being a regular contributor to SHESAID, she also contributes to Destinations Mag, Beamly.com and is currently working on her first romance novel. She loves sharing ideas and tips that people find useful and learns a lot along the way herself.

Planning a date night in Brisbane but not sure where to go or what to do? Here are some ideas either for that first date or long overdue date night you’ve been meaning to take with your partner for months…

If there’s one thing that screams romance it’s a drive in movie so consider the Yatala drive in, open seven days a week and showing the latest blockbuster films. Cosy down for a romantic evening in front of the big screen in the comfort of your own car or spread a rug out on the grass. The beauty of this date is that its casual, there is no dress code here and even better is the cost. You’ll see two movies for the price of one at the cinema. Before the movies start grab a bite to eat at the 50‘s style diner, serving everything from burgers to donuts, popcorn and sweets.

Eat Street Markets

If you love food and trying new things the Eat Street Markets on Hamilton Wharf could be the perfect spot for your next date. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the evenings you can find an array of international dishes courtesy of the fifty strong mini restaurants that cram into the area. From cronuts to seafood, ice cream to dumplings there is something here for everyone. When you’re finished eating take a stroll down by the Brisbane River or jump on the Citycat service back down the river to the city.

Freestyle Tout

If you have a sweet tooth then you can’t go past Freestyle Tout in the Emporium for a romantic date. This dessert café is open for lunch and dinner but the most popular thing to do here is simply eat dessert. How do white chocolate and raspberry brioche dumplings sound? Or perhaps a raw chocolate hazelnut tart? Spanish churros? White chocolate pannacotta? My mouth is salivating just thinking about it. If you’re planning a date night away from home then stay at the decadent Emporium Hotel, located within the Emporium complex and just a stone’s throw from Freestyle Tout.

Southbank

Southbank is one of Brisbane’s most popular spots because there is so much to do there. Enjoy a date night by strolling down beside the river, taking in the view of the city or perhaps take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane which stands almost sixty metres tall. On Friday nights until 10pm the colourful Southbank markets fill the area with stalls of homewares, art, clothing, accessories, food and drinks. River Quay in Southbank is a popular dining precinct set in a subtropical urban oasis where the atmosphere buzzes all the time, perfect for a relaxed date.

Storey Bridge Climb

If you don’t mind heights a twilight walk up the Storey Bridge could be the perfect date for you. There are romance packages available that include a climb up the bridge as the sun sets over Brisbane, a memento photograph at the top of the bridge and one nights accommodation at the Brisbane Marriot Hotel. The 360 degree views from the top are unforgettable, so you can guarantee it’ll be a night to remember.

If you’re a bride-to-be, no doubt you’re debating whether or not to wear a veil on your special day. If you’ve already decided that you will be wearing a veil the next decision you need to make is the length. Shoulder length? Elbow length? Fingertip length? Ballet length? The possibilities are almost endless, so for some inspiration for veils of varying lengths and styles take a look at these gorgeous ideas.

This classic and simple ballet length veil adds a touch of sophistication to this otherwise simple hairstyle. Soft curls have been swept over one shoulder and a floral headpiece has also been added to match the detail on the dress.

If you want to make a statement go for a bold and extravagant cathedral-length veil. When paired with falling loose curls you’ll have a look that will be one to remember forever.

A popular hairstyle in fashion at the moment comes from the 1920’s, Great Gatsby style. This impeccable look teams retro pin curls with a vintage style elbow length veil and is absolute perfection.

The classic sweeping bun hairstyle is a popular one with brides because it never dates. This modest elbow-length veil is a sweet touch which compliments the intricacy of the dress.

This vintage-style ballet-length veil has intricate detail, made even more prominent by the simple hairstyle. The veil is the standout here so there’s no need for an extravagant hairstyle too.

The first thing to note is that sugar is a carbohydrate made up of glucose and fructose, the worst part being fructose. Glucose is an important part of our diet however fructose is not and each is metabolised very differently. While every cell in our bodies can use glucose, fructose is not essential for our bodies in any way and our liver will turn it into fat if we consume too much of it.

Products that contain added sugar (and fructose) normally contain very few nutrients and are classed as empty calories. Fizzy drinks, fruit juice, lollies, chocolate bars and pastries all belong in this category and should be avoided.

Contrary to belief, naturally occurring fructose in fruit is not bad for you and in fact fruit provides your body with vital fibre needed to keep your digestive system running smoothly and has been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A couple of servings of fruit each day isn’t going to do you any harm but if you’re particularly worried about fructose in fruit then stick to fruits that contain less of it, such as kiwifruit, berries and grapefruit. Other natural sources of sugar that are ok to eat are honey and sweet root vegetables.

Some of the side effects of consuming too much fructose in the form of added sugar are:

Elevated blood pressure

Fatty liver disease

Obesity

Type II diabetes

Heart disease

Cancer

Addiction to sugar

So is quitting unnecessary added sugar (and fructose) good for you? Yes, absolutely it is. Fructose has been around in our diets for a long time however it only becomes problematic when it is consumed in excess. As a general rule 50g of fructose per day should be the maximum amount you consume. Don’t be too stressed if you consume more than this from natural sources occasionally but when added sugar becomes a regular in your diet you should take a step back and take a look at some of the side effects listed above.

Have you ever cut your hair only to regret it later? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there and luckily for us, hair grows back so your bad haircut wont be sticking around for long. Sometimes though, a haircut is a great change and we are left wondering why we didn’t take the plunge sooner. So for some inspiration here are some celebrities who’ve been bold and chopped off their locks.

Katie Holmes has had every haircut under the sun – pixie, short, medium and long, all of which have looked incredible. But my favourite between these two? Definitely the long girl-next-door look which shows off her gorgeous waves.

Julianne Hough recently chopped her long locks and went for a blunt medium length cut instead and I think it suits her face shape a lot more. It’s far easier to maintain this way and she frequently adds a few soft waves for a completely different look.

Kate Hudson has had many different hairstyles but her long locks are hard to go past. With subtle layers and soft waves longer hair really suits her face shape and makes her look younger too.

Taylor Swift boldly chopped off her signature curls, but should she have? Absolutely! Her trendy medium-length cut makes her look more mature and incredibly stylish. Two words – love it.

Jennifer Aniston made the medium-length layered look famous when she starred on Friends, however I prefer her hair longer when she’s able to put more layers in it for some texture. She frequently wears her hair swept over to the side which really compliments the shape of her face.

Pregnancy can be a daunting time because there are so many changes going on inside your body and there’s so much you need to try and remember when it comes to your diet. Having a healthy pregnancy diet is vital to the wellbeing of your unborn baby and it ensures that you’re feeling the best you can be while your body grows this tiny human being.

Wash your fruit and vegetables before consuming to remove any trace of soil that may contain a potentially fatal parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis.

Never eat meats that have been left out of the fridge for long periods of time i.e. chicken, deli hams and salamis, to reduce the risk of you developing listeria.

When you are reheating food ensure that it is piping hot before you consume it, taking special care with chicken.

Before you even try to fall pregnant you should be ensuring that your folate intake is sufficient. During the first month of pregnancy folate helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby such as spina bifida. Spinach, broccoli, fortified cereals, lentils, citrus fruits and avocadoes are all great sources of folate or folic acid.

Throughout your pregnancy make sure you’re eating foods with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids which support brain and eye development in babies. Fatty fish, tofu, walnuts and leafy green vegetables are all rich sources of omega-3 fats.

If you get hungry between meals, try to snack on foods full of protein and carbohydrates which will keep your full for longer and keep your blood sugar levels on a plateau. Sandwiches, pita bread, salads, vegetables and fresh fruit are best. Avoid eating high sugar sweets and treats when possible because they will only give you an energy boost for a short period of time.

Aim to eat 2-3 portions of dairy each day, important for calcium intake and keeping you and your baby’s bones healthy.

Fresh fruit and vegetables have important vitamins and nutrients that are essential for the growth and development of your unborn baby. Ensure that you include plenty in your diet when you’re pregnant.

There are some foods that you need to steer clear of when you’re pregnant. These include undercooked meat and eggs, soft cheeses such as brie and camembert, pate, raw seafood such as oysters or sushi and shark, marlin and swordfish which all have high levels of mercury.

Try not to exceed 200mg of caffeine each day and avoid all alcohol when pregnant. Water is your best option.

Lentils are part of the legume family and are nutty in flavour, popular amongst vegetarians. Because they contain plenty of fibre they can help lower cholesterol by keeping your arteries clean and they help to prevent constipation. Lentils are a great source of protein as well as complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly throughout the day.

These savoury muffins are so easy to make, perfect for a weekend lunch if you have visitors coming over or simply a tasty snack to munch on. You can enjoy them warm or cold – my favourite is warm with a little bit of butter that melts just a tad… yum!

Goji berries are said to be one of the healthiest berries on the planet – rich in antioxidants which can help to protect the eyes, improve circulation, protect the liver and promote weight loss. This recipe combines these small gems along with a number of other beneficial ingredients including oats, flaxseeds and coconut oil. Served warm or cold, this bread won’t last long!

We all know that on a wedding day the bride is the one in the spotlight but that doesn’t mean the bridesmaids can’t look glamorous as well. Trying to find a style that suits all of your bridesmaids can be difficult and that’s why many brides opt for their bridesmaids to have different styles. So if you’re having trouble deciding on a look take some inspiration from these popular styles.

A messy side bun is a classic bridesmaid hairstyle because it’s easy to execute, it looks great and it can work with most hair lengths. Try this hairstyle with a headband to uniform the bridesmaid look.

For a vintage look, similar to the Great Gatsby style try this look that is sure to turn heads for all the right reasons. You just can’t go wrong with soft curls pulled back into a formal bun.

If your bridesmaids have long hair then consider a halo braid which never seems to go out of fashion. This style is angelic and romantic and when teamed with a flower or two it becomes the perfect bridesmaid hairstyle.

Yet another take on the bun style is this simple, elegant and classic look. There’s nothing over the top about it, but that’s one of the reasons it works. Sometimes less is more and that’s definitely the case on this occasion.

Perfect for an outdoor or beach wedding this gorgeous hairstyle combines soft curls with a small braid to secure the hair in place and keep it from falling in the eyes. No hair accessories are needed for this style as the braid is the feature.

We’ve all heard that eating fish is an important part of our diet, especially when pregnant, but there are also warnings about eating too much fish during pregnancy. So how much is safe to eat and what types of fish should you avoid?

Mercury is a chemical element that occurs naturally in the environment in the air, water and soil. When mercury accumulates in the water it is turned into methyl mercury which fish absorb as they feed in the waters. Over time the mercury levels build up in the fish, some more than others depending on what they eat, and when we catch and eat these fish we consume this mercury too.

What types of fish have the highest levels of mercury?

Most fish and shellfish contain some mercury but larger fish at the top of the food chain that have been living for a long time generally have higher levels because they’ve had more time to accumulate the mercury. Fish including swordfish, barramundi, orange roughy, shark and king mackerel seem to pose the greatest risk to pregnant women.

How can mercury harm my baby?

Although research is ongoing it appears that consuming high levels of methyl mercury during pregnancy can harm your baby’s brain and nervous system. The effects may not be apparent for years after your child is born but can seriously affect your child’s cognitive skills, language, motor skills and vision.

Why shouldn’t I just give up eating fish altogether?

If you choose to eat fish with low levels of mercury during pregnancy then the risks of harming your baby are very slim and you’ll also be reaping the benefits from eating fish. The fatty acids found in fish are vital for your unborn baby’s brain and eye development so don’t give up on it entirely.

What fish are safe to eat during pregnancy?

Some types of fish that are low in mercury as well as high in healthy fats are mackerel, rainbow trout, salmon and sardines. Shellfish with low levels of mercury include prawns, lobster and oysters. It is recommended that pregnant women eat no more than three serves of fish per week (in the low level of mercury category) and if they do choose to eat fish in the high mercury level category then it should be restricted to one serve per fortnight.

Halo braid, crown braid or milkmaid braid are all names for this popular braided up-do that never seems to go out of fashion. First worn by celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Ashley Olsen and Sienna Miller, the halo braid can be spotted on the runway, parties, weddings and festivities because of its versatility.

Halo braids can be dressed up with flowers or diamantes for a formal event or can simply be worn by themselves as a slightly messy look for that casual event.

Sienna Miller was one of the first celebrities who stepped out with the halo braid and it’s no wonder that so many others followed suit. This gorgeous style would be perfect for a bride, teamed with some small flowers dotted around the braid.

Even with shorter hair Jaime King pulls off the halo braid so well. The thick braid has been cleverly crafted using plenty of quality product.

So who wore it best? They all look gorgeous but I’d have to say that Scarlett Johansson takes the prize for the best halo braid.

Despite what you might think, dark chocolate does have some health benefits, except when combined with sugar, eggs and white flour we can’t exactly say that it’s ‘healthy’. So I’m not going to lie, this recipe is definitely NOT healthy but it’s a fabulous treat if you have friends coming over for dinner or you simply need to indulge in some chocolate. They take less than thirty minutes to make and I can guarantee they won’t disappoint!

Miso paste (or fermented soybean paste) is a staple of the Japanese diet, made up of soybeans, salt and fungus though sometimes barley, rice or buckwheat may be added to alter the flavour. Miso is a great source of manganese, zinc and copper, essential mineral antioxidants and has been linked to reducing the risk of some types of stroke.

We’re all looking for quick and healthy dinner ideas because we’re working longer days and we don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals, so try this dish that takes less than thirty minutes to prepare and is full of miso flavour and goodness.

Ingredients:

3 tsp miso paste

3 tsp soy sauce

2 tbsp orange juice

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp honey

4 white fish fillets

2 Lebanese cucumbers

1 ripe avocado

1 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp sesame oil

2 cups steamed brown rice

2 tsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Method

Mix together miso paste, soy sauce, orange juice, garlic and honey in a large bowl then add fish and coat with mixture.

Cover and leave to marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a large baking tray with non-stick paper.

Take the fish from the marinade and place on the baking tray.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

Use a vegetable peeler to peel the cucumber into ribbons and place in a bowl.

Most of the world’s quinoa comes from the mountain regions of Peru and Bolivia where it originated from thousands of years ago and it is a nutritious seed which contains more protein than any other grain it is often compared to. This is one of the reasons why it has been labelled as a superfood. Quinoa is high in fibre to keep your digestive system regular and is great for keeping your blood sugar levels in check. It contains nine essential amino acids, iron, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and much more so consider adding some quinoa to your diet today to reap the benefits of this superfood.

Blackheads are a type of acne and are actually clogged hair follicles that appear as dark or black bumps on your skin, normally found on the face, back and shoulders. They can develop into a pimple if the bacteria invades the hair follicle, causing inflammation and redness. Although blackheads can appear on any type of skin, normally they are more common in people with oily skin.

Despite what some people may think, blackheads do not normally form because of dirty skin, but because of a number of other factors including your body producing too much oil, hormonal changes due to puberty or menstruation, a reaction to certain drugs and an irritation of the follicles when the dead skin cells don’t shed properly. The formation of blackheads has nothing to do with the types of food that you eat.

So how do you get rid of them? Unfortunately the removal of blackheads isn’t something you should try at home. By trying to squeeze them out yourself you’re likely to infect the follicles with bacteria and cause pimples to form, making the problem even worse than it already was. So here are some of the most common ways to remove them safely.

Try an over-the-counter medication that you can apply directly to your skin. These creams or pads contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and salicylic acid which help to kill bacteria, dry out any excess oil and shed dead skin cells.

If you have a severe case then your doctor may prescribe you a topical medication or the contraceptive pill which have both seen success in the removal of blackheads.

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating process where the top layers of your skin are gently buffed away taking with it the clogged hair follicles.

Chemical peels are another process for getting rid of clogged hair follicles as well as the dead skin cells that can lead to blackheads. A chemical solution is applied to the skin and the top layers of skin peel away, leaving a smoother and softer surface.

Laser therapy can reach the lower layers of your skin without harming the top layers to decrease oil production or kill the bacteria.

If you want to try and prevent them in the first place then ensure that you wash your face morning and night to get rid of any excess oil and makeup. Try using an antibacterial face wash that can kill the bacteria and an exfoliating scrub at least one a week that will remove any dead skin cells. When you choose a moisturiser make sure that it’s oil free so that you don’t make your problem worse.

The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test or have a blood test done by your GP, and normally by that stage you’re fairly confident that you’re pregnant anyway, perhaps having missed a period. But what are the tell-tale signs of pregnancy that you may have missed in the early stages? Here we look at some of the subtle physical and emotional changes that can occur very early on that you might normally dismiss.

If you notice that your breasts are tender, fuller, or your nipples are sore it could be due to the increased oestrogen and progesterone levels and a sign that you’re expecting. Don’t assume these signs are due to an upcoming period, especially if the areola are darker than usual.

When you fall pregnant your uterus will begin to swell and start pushing on the bladder walls. This will cause you to urinate more frequently than usual, so if you’re running to the loo every ten minutes it could be a sign of pregnancy.

Frequent headaches due to hormonal changes in your body are an early sign of pregnancy but as the pregnancy progresses and your body adjusts to the hormone levels the headaches should start to ease.

You may have experienced spotting very early on and perhaps dismissed this as a light period, but in fact it could be a sign of pregnancy. Some implantation pain could also be felt when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus and to some this may feel like an uncomfortable twinge.

If you feel light-headed or faint it could be a sign that you’re pregnant. This can happen when your blood vessels dilate then your blood pressure decreases. If you’re not eating properly the dizziness can also stem from low blood-sugar.

So if you can relate to some of the signs above then it might be time to put down the glass of wine and reach for a pregnancy test kit instead.

If you’ve got kids or you’d prefer to spend your mornings sleeping in for as long as possible rather than tackling your hair then you need low maintenance hair which will save you time and money. Some simple changes to how you cut, colour and care for your hair will ensure that you’ll spend less time in the bathroom and more time catching up on those precious zzzz’s.

If you’re thinking about losing your locks and going short for a low maintenance hairdo then think again. Short haircuts actually need more maintenance because they need to be trimmed more frequently and they’re likely to need more styling product than longer styles. Another reason why longer hair can be more low maintenance than short is because it’s a lot easier to throw up into a ponytail or a braid when you’re running short on time or having a bad hair day.

When you consult with your hairstylist make sure that you choose a haircut that’s going to work with your natural curls or waves so that you can simply wash and go with minimal styling. If you have straight hair you’re in luck because this is the hairstyle that requires the least amount of effort to look good so a simple blunt cut like a bob could be your best bet.

Maintaining quality hair is much easier than maintaining dry and frizzy hair so ensure that you look after it by using quality shampoos and conditioners. Consider a deep conditioning treatment on a weekly basis and ensure that you use heat protecting products before styling. Use quality hairbrushes and combs that won’t damage your hair and prevent breakages. These tips will ensure that your hair looks good with minimal effort.

Hair that hasn’t been artificially coloured is the best low maintenance hair colour but if you want to change it up then ensure that you choose a shade as close to your natural colour as possible. This means you’ll have to worry less about colour fade and root touch ups. If your roots are noticeable then consider a root touch-up kit which will save you a trip to the salon for a month or longer.

A small number of highlights can be a great way of adding colour to your hair without a lot of up-keep. Again, stick within a few shades of your natural colour so that if you choose to grow them out they’ll be less noticeable than a full colour. Avoid a full head of highlights which will be much more noticeable when they grow out, meaning another trip to the salon.

Ocsober, or Sober October has become an annual event in Australia and is a time for people to dig deep and find some will power to ditch the drink for 31 days. In recent years it has been gaining popularity due to the number of alcohol related crimes and the alarming increase in numbers of underage drinkers. In America the problem is the same. The criminal justice system is being flooded with alcohol-involved offenders with studies in recent years showing that 40% of state prisoners were under the influence of alcohol when they committed their crime. And it’s not only adults who have a problem with the bottle – in 2008 more than 190,000 people under the age of 21 visited an emergency centre for an alcohol related injury.

When people drink for the first time, it’s generally due to curiosity about what alcohol tastes like and how it affects them physically. Normally the first drinking experience is not a big deal but over time the drinks become more frequent and the amounts consumed increase too. For some people drinking eventually becomes a problem and starts to interfere with daily activities and can cause serious strain on relationships. So if you drink, be it regularly or occasionally, Sober October can be the perfect excuse to give your body a break for 31 days. Here are some reasons why you should consider it:

It will help lower your tolerance

Just like drugs, the more alcohol you consume, the more your body gets used to it, so after a period of time you’ll find that your tolerance to alcohol will be quite high and you’ll need more of it to feel the same effects. If you refrain from drinking for a month it’s highly likely that your tolerance level will decrease so it should be easier for you to cut back on the amount of alcohol you consume after those 31 days.

It will help to lower the risk of you becoming dependant on alcohol

Some people drink every day, not necessarily large amounts, but perhaps they find they can’t do something without a glass of wine or a cold beer, like settling down in front of the TV for the night. You could be dependent on alcohol if not having it for a day causes problems so to tackle the dependency you should try and break your drinking cycle. This should help lower your risk of becoming dependant on it.

It will help you to feel better

Giving up alcohol for a month will not only speed up weight loss and improve your vitamin levels but it will also help you to sleep more soundly and increase the quality of your skin. Over time, the consumption of alcohol can cause the blood vessels in your face to dilate, resulting in red, spidery veins and the alcohol can also interrupt the balance of oestrogen and testosterone levels, causing pimple break outs.

If you’re not convinced that Sober October is a good thing then why not give it a go and see for yourself? You might be pleasantly surprised at just how good you feel after 31 days, alcohol free. And who knows, perhaps you’ll be converted for life.

Tiaras come in all shapes, sizes and styles so don’t discount wearing a tiara on your wedding day until you’ve tried one on. Typically they are worn far back on the head on a forty-five degree angle from above the ears and are best held in place when the hair is not complete clean, with the use of plenty of hairspray and pins.

So if you’re considering wearing a tiara on your wedding day, take some inspiration from these:

This impressive tiara works perfectly with the formal hairstyle this bride has chosen because it’s extravagant and stunning, much like the hairstyle. This is one tiara that wont go unnoticed.

If you want something a little less understated then choose a simple tiara with minimal detail. Biggest is not always best.

This classic bridal tiara is encrusted with diamantes and is a popular style for many brides. It’s simple yet elegant and can be worn with a multitude of hairstyles.

This incredibly dainty tiara is gold plated and has tiny diamantes suspended from small wires. It’s not your run-of-mill tiara but something just a little bit different.

Love tiaras so much you want to wear more than one? Well why not?! This bride proves it can be done with style, you’ll just need plenty of hair for that elongated up-do.

When you and your partner decide to introduce a sex toy into your relationship it can be daunting to try and choose the best one for you. There are so many different toys for different things but if you’re just starting out something small and simple could be your best bet. So, here are some of the top sex toys for beginners.

Dirty dice

Start off slowly and ease yourself into the big wide world of sex toys by starting with these simple dirty dice. One dice is covered in actions and the other is covered in body parts so just roll the dice and do whatever it tells you to do. It’s a fairly basic start for beginners but exciting all the same.

Cupid’s Itty Bitty Beginner’s Butt Plug

Just the name alone is enough to make some people cringe but this tiny device can provide massive amounts of stimulating pleasure. For some women anal sex can be a major turn off (possibly due to the fact that their partner once tried to slip it in on the sly), but with a little planning it can be extremely pleasurable. Cupid’s Itty Bitty Beginner’s Butt Plug is small enough to wear all day if you wanted to, is made from silicone, has a tapered tip for easy insertion and a rounded bulb for maximum pleasure. The flared base means that the butt plug will stay in place and is easily removed using the finger pull.

We Vibe 4 Vibrator

What could be better than a sex toy that enhances both partner’s enjoyment? The We Vibe 4 does just that with its six vibration modes that provide intense stimulation. Made from medical grade silicone, the We Vibe vibrator is curved to fit snugly in place and stimulates the clitoris and g-spot while the man slips in underneath and enjoys the same vibrating pleasure. The We Vibe even has a remote control so you can change the intensity as you please.

Blindfold

If you suffer from self-consciousness in the bedroom then something as simple as a blindfold during sex can spice up your life. To help alleviate your nerves have your partner wear a blindfold and make sure they can’t sneak a peek. Wearing a blindfold and knowing that you’re not being judged visually can help you to relax and feel less self-aware and if you feel confident enough after a while, try waring it yourself. The excrement of the unknown will definitely get your heart racing.

Lelo Lily Massager

If you’re just starting out with sex toys then the Lelo Lily massager is a great buy, useful for helping you to figure out which vibration you like the best. It’s an external sex toy that stimulates the clitoris using powerful vibrations whilst being discreet and petite. Fitting in the palm of your hand the Lelo Lily massager can easily be carried in your handbag and has five different vibration modes for your pleasure. It’s fully rechargeable and you can enjoy it on your own or with your partner, the choice is yours.

Breakfast is an important part of your day because you’re refuelling your body after an overnight fast. If you don’t eat breakfast you’re essentially running on empty and you’re more likely to be overweight, reaching for those high sugar snacks mid-morning.

Lady Gaga is well known for stepping our in some shocking attire but this meat dress that she wore to the 2010 MTV Music Awards really took the cake. Made from raw meat the dress was meant to be in protest of gay soldiers who had been discharged of service. She said about the dress “Dead meat is dead meat and anyone that’s willing to risk their life and die for their country is the same. You’re not gay and dead, straight and dead. You are dead.”

Nicki Minaj is another celebrity who loves to make us gasp when she steps into the limelight and this little red riding hood inspired dress was no exception. At the 2012 Grammy Awards she was slammed for this dress for unsuccessfully trying to compete with the crazy style of Lady Gaga.

Sasha Gradiva is a Russian singer and wore this bizarre terminator-style ensemble to the 2012 Grammy Awards. On her official website she stated that she loves fashion that makes her stand out from the crowd and this dress teamed with the odd fake gun accessory definitely had the desired effect.

Baring all and leaving nothing to the imagination, Rihanna set tongues wagging at the 2014 CFDA Awards, there to accept her CFDA Fashion Icon award. She was heard telling reporters that “you will never be stylish if you don’t take risks.” I agree with her statement, but disagree with that dress!

Former Playboy model Tess Smith left us all asking one question when she stepped out on the 2005 Emmy Awards red carpet – WHY? All it would have taken was one gust of wind and the crowd might have seen more than they bargained for. Tess Smith took the phrase less is more way too literally on this occasion.

Stepping back in time to 1999, Lil Kim shocked many at the MTV Video Music Awards in this purple mermaid-inspired jumpsuit. Many years later in 2013 controversial Miley Cyrus recreated the look for Halloween and set the media into a frenzy once again. I can’t really decide who wore it better because it’s just so… wrong.

When Amber Rose stepped out in this skimpy dress (if you can call it a dress) at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards she certainly turned heads. Wearing a Laura Dewitt design she didn’t leave much to the imagination in this sparkly, bejewelled number.

If you’re looking for a meal you can prepare under 30 minutes and is healthy as well as flavoursome then take a look at this Asian inspired chicken and soba noodle salad. It’s low in fat, high in fibre, it tastes delicious and is super easy.

Ingredients

200g chicken breast fillets

180g soba noodles

200g snow peas, trimmed and halved diagonally

200g packet Japanese teriyaki tofu, cut into 2cm cubes

3 green shallots, thinly sliced

2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted

Dressing

1 ½ tbsp Japanese rice wine

1 ½ tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

Method

Place chicken in a saucepan and cover with water. Cover, then bring to the boil over a high heat.

Reduce the heat to low then simmer until cooked through. Remove from heat and shred chicken once cool enough.

Cook noodles in a large saucepan of boiling water according to instructions on the packet then add the snow peas for the last three minutes.

Drain the noodles and snow peas then transfer to a bowl.

To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork.

Add the chicken, tofu, shallots and dressing to the noodle mixture then toss to combine.

When you’re in a rush and want to cook something simple yet tasty for dinner, pull out this risotto recipe that is sure to become a household favourite. Most of the ingredients you’ll probably already have in your panty, so it’s perfect when you’re stuck for ideas.

Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life and one that you’ll probably plan for months if not years and ensuring that everything is perfect for your big day, especially how you look, can be stressful and daunting. Your hair will be one of the most important bookings you make so to ensure that you make the right choice about your hairstylist, consider these top tips:

Ensure that you take a look at their portfolio before you confirm a booking so you have an idea of their capabilities. If you’re hoping for an intricate hairstyle on your big day you’ll need to make sure that your stylist is capable of recreating it and pictures of past brides will give you a fair idea whether they’re experienced enough or not.

When you contact a stylist you’ll need to get a quote to ensure that they’re within your budget. Agree on a fixed priced so you’re not sprung with any unexpected costs on your big day.

When you meet with a stylist ask them to suggest some flattering styles that will compliment your look. An experienced hairstylist should be able to recommend a style that suits the look you’re going for.

A great hairdresser will use professional and premium hair products so be sure to ask them what they use, especially if the style you want needs to be held firmly in place.

Always have a trial before your wedding day, preferably a few months prior, just in case things don’t go to plan or you don’t like the style you’ve chosen after all. Try and have your makeup trial on the same day so you can get an idea of your overall look.

Ensure that your stylist gives you a timetable for your wedding day, especially if they’ll be doing your bridesmaid’s hair as well. Being organised and knowing at what time everyone is to be styled should help the day run a little smoother.

Also, ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed with your hairstylist. If you don’t get on well (even if they are an amazing hairdresser) then consider trying to find another stylist. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel irritated by someone when it should be the happiest day of your life.